How to Get the Right Size Banjo Picks

Banjos have four or five strings.

The banjo is a stringed instrument commonly used in musical genres, such as bluegrass and folk. Banjo players usually use finger picks to play their instruments. These picks provide a louder sound as compared to using your bare fingers. They also prevent skin irritation on your fingertips. Using banjo finger picks effectively requires using picks that are properly sized for your fingers.

Instructions

1. Try on a set of finger picks that suits the general size of your fingers. Many finger picks come in small, medium or large sizes. If your overall body and finger size is average, try the medium picks first. If you have a small frame, try the small ones and if you are a larger-build person, try the large picks. The picks won't fit perfectly until you shape them, but you should be able to slide your fingers in them easily. The picks also shouldn't be so large that they fall off.

2. Pinch the collar of the pick gently to mold it to your finger or thumb. The collar is the round part that fits around your finger. The fit should be snug but not pinching you.

3. Curve the tip of each finger pick toward your finger so that it rests against your fingertip. You won't have to do this for the thumb pick, however.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave new finger picks in a warm area for 10 to 20 minutes to make them easier to bend and mold.

References

• Banjo: FAQs Category- Choosing Your Picks
• Folk of the Wood: 5-String Banjo- Learning to Properly Adjust Metal Fingerpicks for Ease of Play